Mugambi, Maureen2025-08-252025-08-252025-05https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/31275A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Health (Epidemiology and Disease Control) in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University, May 2025. Supervisors 1. Anthony Wanyoro 2. Isaac MwanzoPostpartum depression (PPD) refers to non-psychotic depressive episodes that begin in or extend into Postpartum period. Postpartum depression affects women from all races and ethnic backgrounds and therefore there is a need to understand the signs, symptoms, causes as well as its treatment. The number of postpartum cases may be higher than available statistics reveal because some cases are undiagnosed. Available statistics indicate that the disorder is more prevalent in underdeveloped and developing countries compared to the developed ones. In Kenya, several health care facilities are set aside to improve maternal health care, however there is little emphasis placed on the mental health of pregnant women in the antenatal clinics. PPD can affect both mother and child negatively resulting in poor growth and development of the child. This study investigated factors contributing to postpartum depression among post-natal women attending the post-natal clinic at selected facilities in Kiambu County. Specifically, the study examined prevalence of PPD among women attending post-natal clinic in the three facilities as well as its determinants. The study was conducted in three referral hospitals; Kiambu, Gatundu and Thika through cross sectional descriptive survey design. Respondents were 321 consenting postnatal mothers at the postnatal clinics six weeks after delivery. Simple random sampling was employed and data collection carried out using a questionnaire which comprised of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening tool and key informant interview guides. To analyze data, strata version 13 was used on quantitative data, with an examination of qualitative data using themes. Chi-square test and regression were applied to identify interactions among the variables at a p-value of 0.05. Findings indicated a prevalence of 10.9% of PPD among PNC women. The woman’s mode of child delivery was significant, with those delivered through caesarean carrying a three times probability of being diagnosed with PPD compared to those with normal child delivery (OR 2.65185, P<0.020) times. It was also noted that woman’s education level was also significant, women with tertiary, secondary and primary level of education were 4 (OR 4.4508, P<0.000), 2 (OR 2.100821, P<0.010), and 1 (OR 1.230769, P<0.020) times respectively less likely to have PPD compared to women without formal education. Household wealth index is a significant predictor of postpartum depression. Women from households with high income (OR=2.988664, p=0.000) and from households with middle-income (OR= 2.178261, p=0.002) were not likely to be diagnosed with postpartum depression than those in low income category. The socio demographic determinants found to lead to PPD among women were education level, women’s source of income, partner’s working status, and household wealth index. The study also indicated that women's awareness of postpartum depression was connected with health systems associated with postpartum depression. Women who have recently delivered are more prone to suffering from PPD compared to others, and depressed mothers need emotional support. It may be beneficial for women's social network to know that PPD is prevalent and that many other women have had similar feelings.enThesis